Sequoia National Forest's Horse Meadow Campground sits at 7,600 feet elevation, reached by an old logging road that branches off Sherman Pass. The turnoff offers little indication of what lies ahead, and the road demands a slow pace even for standard passenger vehicles. No cell service or wifi reaches the area, and the nearest resupply runs roughly an hour each way. Campers who make the drive find sites that vary considerably: some are flat, shaded, and positioned along a creek, while others sit on uneven ground better suited to those unconcerned with level terrain.
Water comes from a spring-fed source, which means availability depends on seasonal conditions and drought years can reduce flow significantly. The creek draws anglers, and fishing has been noted by multiple visitors as a reliable draw. A long-tenured camp host has maintained the grounds for decades and enforces fire safety protocols closely, including requiring campers to keep a shovel and bucket of water on hand during fire-prone periods. Nights drop into the forties even in midsummer, a notable shift from lower-elevation temperatures in southern California.
Joseph Z. sums up the appeal plainly: "Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there's no fires near." The campground has drinking water and toilets on site, though pets are not permitted. Hikers have access to several trailheads directly from camp. Campers exploring camping near Sequoia National Forest will find nearby options including Ant Canyon and Old Gold Ledge to the west. Horse Meadow is best suited to self-sufficient campers comfortable with limited infrastructure and a genuine commitment to getting off the grid.
Description
7600-foot elevation. 41 campsites. Horse Corrals. Near Cherry Hill Road 22S12/23S10. Maximum RV length 22 feet. Special food storage rule in effect because this is black bear country! Check current fire restrictions before venturing out.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHorse Meadow Campground is located in California near Johnsondale
Public CampgroundCoordinates
35.90201213 N
118.3712506 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 52 min from Visalia, CA
- 3 hrs 2 min from Hanford, CA
- 3 hrs 24 min from Fresno, CA
